The program began in 1987 and aimed to reduce the need for prison space and to treat and release selected State prisoners earlier than their court-mandated minimum periods of incarceration without jeopardizing public safety. A 12-month followup of program graduates released between March 1988 and March 1989 found a recidivism rate of 30.6 percent compared to 32.9 percent for pre-shock releases and 42.2 percent for a group considered for shock incarceration. Within the first 12 months of parole supervision, 16.4 percent of shock graduates returned to correctional custody, compared to 18.6 percent for inmates released before the shock program existed and 27.6 percent of those considered for shock incarceration. Using an 18-month criterion for exposure to parole supervision, the recividism rate was 34.6 percent for shock graduates, 34.9 percent for pre-shock offenders, and 39.4 percent of the group considered for shock. Thus, the program has met its legislative mandate of reducing incarceration time without reducing community safety. As of July 25, 1990, the program has saved or avoided more than $101 million in costs. Figures and appended tables